Imaging/Cloning HDDs

[laskow45]

Hey guys new to the forums but I have always pondered this question and figured you guys would probably know the answer! Lets say I have a legitimate copy of windows and the software I want to use and I am going to build a new computer. Can I just make an image to my new sdd from my old hdd and transfer the programs and windows files? Will it boot right up? Also, how does Linus do this with several machines he has and games and programs he uses on all of them?

[lunar_recon]

If you were just upgrading your boot HDD to an SSD than yes it would work. But since you are building a new computer, the windows activation will not transfer. With windows if you change more than 2 components or so at once it has you reactivate. As for the other programs it really depends on how the license works. Anything through Steam or Origin will install no problem. Programs such as Adobe CS6 would be able to use the same key as before. But like I said it really depends on the license for the particular software.

[LargeGeek]

Research 'sysprep'.

[ha1o2surfer]

Yes, what the guy said above me. Sysprep will prepare your windows install for use on a totally different system. The only problem I can see from doing this is you will have to reactivate via calling Microsoft. I do not think it will take your original key again..Another thing, SYSPREP is made for the enterprise environment so there is no way of telling if it will work with all software or games.. it may break some things but for the most part, it will keep your install and all of your settings,